Happy Sunday, everyone. So much has been happening in the world and in our country that we wanted to let you know you are not alone in the utter overwhelm. We want to be a joyful, safe space but also want you to know we are all in it too. Remember to vote, and here are this week’s links.

This week’s house tour is “an 1850s captain’s cottage with views of the bay” that belongs to THE Zac Posen and Harrison Ball. Oh, and despite it being the most beautiful rental you’ve ever seen, Ken Fulk came in to design it. Fulk describes it as “the anti-decorator’s decorator’s house.” It’s incredibly beautiful but incredibly warm and perfectly “imperfect.” Enjoy!

From Emily: I LOVE how Cathy and Garret created a bookshelf instead of a basic banister for their stairs (very specific, I know, and yet a great tip for lots of universal problems). They needed a structure (think a column), but instead of it just being something that looked awkward, they designed and built a floor-to-ceiling shelf that looks so intentional, warm, and chic. So inspiring.

Also From Emily: The squishy craze has reached levels that no other trend has since I’ve been parenting. It’s WILD. My 11-year-old daughter (her actual birthday is tomorrow!!!) is certifiably obsessed with squishies (dumplings, nee-dohs, etc.) and asked for this squishy making kit for her birthday. Technically, she isn’t allowed to play with it until today, so I can’t actually vouch for it yet, but I mentioned it on social and got soooooo many dm’s asking for the link. She shopped around for what seemed like hours to find this exact one, something about having all the elements that she wanted. She plans on making all the types – the ASMR, the slow rise, the dumpling knock-offs. All so satisfying. Next week I’m posting about our Squishy-themed mall scavenger hunt, which was A HIT, for those interested.

From Mallory: I just bought these boots for fall, and I absolutely LOVE THEM. I always find great deals on boots at Nordstrom Rack, and these were another top-tier find. $80 for tall, sleek boots? Heck yeah. They come in a ton of colors, but I went with the dark brown, and they look way more expensive than they are. Super comfy to walk in with a heel that’s not too crazy high and is solid enough that I don’t feel like I’m going to break an ankle. If you’re in the market, these are great!!

From Marlee: I’m not sure what is happening behind the scenes at Gap, but they have been doing basics so well. I recently grabbed this simple black hoodie for layering under jackets this fall for $30 and this brown V-neck sweater (currently 40% off at checkout), which I’ll layer with a white tee. There’s a ton of great stuff on sale right now there if you’re looking for basics/loungewear 🙂

From Jess: I am a very lucky gal in that not only is Les Bunge my dad, but he is also good at giving gifts. So for my birthday, part of my gift was this top from Sezane. It’s simple and casual, but the neckline is so beautiful. It’s that kind of top that you could easily bop around town, doing errands (and feeling cool) or dress up a little for a nice dinner. Excited to wear once the temperature stays below 80 degrees…

From Gretchen: I have always been fiercely loyal to the tampon for ease of use, but I despise how wasteful it is and how leakproof it isn’t. Menstrual cups have intimidated me in the past, and previous ones I’ve tried did not make it easy to make the switch. But this Flex cup (thanks to Marlee for the rec!) is surprisingly easy to insert and even more comfortable to take out–which isn’t the case for most menstrual cups on the market. When taking it out, you have to “break the seal”, which has been a bit painful for me with previous cups I’d experimented with. But this one has a little circular pull tab that, when used, breaks the seal for you and makes it super easy to remove–way more like a tampon than a standard menstrual cup. So far I have had zero leaks while using it, which I cannot say the same for with the many tampons I’ve used over the years. Plus, it’s easy to clean and reuse, and I barely remember it’s there; it is just that comfortable. I’ll keep the tampons I have on hand for friends or emergencies, but I am not going back!

From Arlyn: My husband and I had a VERY rare opportunity to go on a day date, as some friends were in town who offered to watch our daughter. Instead of doing the usual (just going somewhere for a meal), I found a candle-pouring workshop at a Paddywax store nearby, and it was great! It was super easy to book online with tons of availability (there’s one every hour at my location), but they also take walk-ins. You get to pick from their selection of beautiful vessels, sniff all the scents to settle on your favorite, and then feel like an alchemist at your pouring station! We had so much fun doing something new and out of the norm. It would also be a great activity for a birthday outing or girls’ night. Check their locations to see if they have a store in your area (if not, Google to see if there is something similar in your town!).

From Caitlin: This one’s out of left field, but it might come in handy one day, so LISTEN UP. This week, I discovered Emetrol, a non-drowsy, ultra-fast-acting nausea reliever, and it has been transformative. (Kick rocks, Pepto!!!) It’s ultra-fast-acting, it actually tastes good (?!), and you can take it every 15 minutes until your nausea resolves. I am constantly struggling with motion sickness (the EHD team can attest) and a perennially upset stomach – this knocks out any residual queasiness in an INSTANT. I wish I had known about it when my mom was still alive – it would have been a welcome alternative to prescription Zofran (no headaches or fatigue here!). I want to carry this stuff EVERYWHERE with me. (Best part: you can grab it at any local pharmacy. I had no idea it existed! But now I do, and you should, too.)

Thank you so much for spending this bit of time with us, and see you tomorrow. xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: The 11 Things We Did To Add Charm To My Sister’s Builder-Grade Kitchen – HAPPY REVEAL DAY!!!